[Dailydrool] Ear ablation

[Pam McQuade]

There does come a point, with ear problems, where topical medications will 
not work. I'm no vet, but I can imagine that polyps need to come out before 
they cause more trouble. If they could become cancerous, I think I'd go with 
the ablation.

An ear ablation surgery is very painful. Afterwards the dog will be on 
doggie morphine. But the pain does not last long, and the dog may be so much 
happier that the surgery will be worth it. Our Alexis perked up amazingly 
after the pain of her constant ear infection was gone. She never seemed to 
look back.

It is unlikely that the dog will have much hearing in that ear. Mostly it 
will be able to hear loud noises through that ear. At least, that's our 
experience with Alexis. You had to get her attention by getting on the good 
side when you talked.

Do I wish Lex had never had to have the surgery? Yes. Was it helpful when 
we'd done all that could be done? Another yes. Losing some hearing was a 
small price to pay for a dog that was in constant, deep pain.
Pam, food slave to the Dashing Bassets